Laos is a small country in Southeast Asia that packs a lot of adventure. It has one of the most natural scenery you'll find in the region.
You don't want to miss it if you're traveling in Asia. You'll quickly fall in love with the preserved traditions and cultural heritage for a country that moves at its own pace.
Laos has several things to do for adventure travelers, backpackers, and people interested in discovering one of the world's unique cultures.
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- Laos Tours Highlights
- Laos Tours Travel Tips
- Laos Tours Things To Do
1. Laos Tours Highlights
- Immerse in the local ambiance at the Vientiane Night Market
- Admire the scenic Laos landscape on a Mekong River Cruise
- Go rock climbing at the Vang Vieng Limestone Karsts
- Walk amongst the giant statues in Buddha Park
- Swim inside the Tham Nam Cave
- Take in the 360 views at the Pha Ngern Viewpoint
- Explore Buddhist art inside the Wat Xieng Thong
- Discover Laos' rich history in the Royal Palace
- Cool off in the natural pools at the Kuang Si Waterfalls
- See traditional Laotian architecture in Luang Prabang
- Catch the sunset on top of Phousi Hill
2. Laos Tours Travel Tips
- Riding in a tuk-tuk is one of the main methods of getting around in the Laos cities. Tuk-tuks may be a cheaper option than hiring a cab.
- Wear proper clothing when visiting Buddhist temples. The temples are sacred grounds and require coverings for your body – you can usually find vendors nearby selling attire if you forget.
- Always bring cash. Laos is a developing country with significantly less infrastructure than westernized countries, so paying with a card isn't typical.
- Laos has a laid-back way of life – representative of the traditional lifestyles. Have patience when traveling here if the people don't move as fast as you're used to.
- Don't be shy to ask for directions. Laos people are very helpful and welcoming to tourists. Some attractions might be challenging to find at first just by looking at maps or signs.
- Stay hydrated. Laos is a very hot country compared to many other surrounding ASEAN countries.
3. Laos Tours Things To Do
Immerse in the local ambiance at the Vientiane Night Market
As the sun begins to set on Vientiane, vendors start setting up for the widely famous Vientiane Night Market.
Walk amongst the stalls to enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city's best market.
Vientiane Night Market is along the Mekong Riverfront, the perfect place to go for tourists looking to experience the local lifestyle.
The vast market is packed with locals and visitors for shopping, eating, and hanging out every night.
You Should Know
Vendors sell a variety of products, such as clothing, food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Be sure to bring cash if you plan to shop and bargain the price to get the best deals.
Admire the scenic Laos landscape on a Mekong River Cruise
Cruise along a section of the Mekong River, the 12th longest river in the world, to discover the rich natural landscapes in Laos and a significant waterway in the country's development throughout history.
A Mekong River Cruise is a unique way of sightseeing and experiencing a traditional way of travel.
The Mekong River starts in China, passing through six countries to end in Vietnam.
Major Laos cities, including Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and smaller villages, are established along the river.
You Should Know
The best way to experience a Mekong River Cruise is on a traditional slow boat.
The longboats serve meals while cruising along the lazy river for sightseeing the mountainous and lush green scenery.
Go rock climbing at the Vang Vieng Limestone Karsts
Karst limestone mountains are abundant surrounding the Vang Vieng.
Although a small town, it's a popular destination for adventurous travelers interested in exploring one of the unique Laos landscape formations.
Karst limestones are distinct rock structures formed from erosion.
Situated along the Nam Song River, the region has one of the country's most scenic landscapes.
You Should Know
The karst limestones are a must-see for adventurous activities. It offers lots of things to do, including exploring caves, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Visitors can also enjoy water activities such as rafting and kayaking on the river.
Swim inside the Tham Nam Cave
Strap on your helmet and life vest as you prepare to explore the inside of the Tham Nam Cave.
Tham Nam Cave, or water cave, is a karst cave open to the public to enjoy water fun inside one of the most popular caves near Vang Vieng. Tham Nam Cave is a cave experience only accessible by water.
Visitors can rent tubes and pull themselves along the rope to enter the cave for swimming or head outside for ziplining.
You Should Know
Although Tham Nam Cave is open to the public, you must rent the necessary equipment nearby and enter with a guide.
Take in the 360 views at the Pha Ngern Viewpoint
Hike to the top of Pha Ngern for one of the best viewpoints in Laos.
The Pha Ngern viewpoint is a highlight attraction when visiting Vang Vieng for a panoramic view over the landscape overlooking karst limestone cliffs and thick vegetation.
Multiple trails lead to the Pha Ngern Viewpoint, which includes three sections. There are viewing platforms at each of the sections for a chance to break and appreciate the incredible views.
It's a moderate hike to the top, which takes less than an hour, but the rewarding view is worth the journey.
Best Time To Visit
Start your hike up to the Pha Ngern Viewpoint early to avoid the mid-day heat. The hike can be challenging, especially on a hot day.
Also, the viewing platforms are less crowded in the morning time.
Explore Buddhist art inside the Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is an iconic image of Luang Prabang – it's the most famous Buddhist temple in the town celebrated for its traditional architecture and preserved heritage.
Visitors can walk the spiritual grounds to admire the landmark amongst other Buddhist temples within the complex.
Built in the mid-16th Century, Wat Xieng Thong is one of the best-preserved examples of Lao Buddhist temple architecture.
It features lots of decorative features on the exterior and interior. Enter the temple to explore some of the Buddhist art, including various statues and detailed wall carvings.
You Should Know
Wat Xieng Thong is an active temple and requires proper clothing to enter the temple grounds.
It's a sacred temple, and monks are present, so it's necessary to respect it.
Cool off in the natural pools at the Kuang Si Waterfalls
Cool off from the Laos heat with a refreshing swim in the natural pools formed by the Kuang Si Waterfalls.
The cascading water extends across three tiers for a scenic waterfall tucked away in a forest near Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Waterfalls is a popular day-trip destination for visitors to experience one of the top waterfalls in Laos.
The clear, turquoise blue water is perfect for having fun or enjoying the sights. The natural pools are open to the public for swimming.
It's a developed site with bridge walkways and trails for venturing to each of the tiers.
Best Time To Visit
Arrive early at the Kuang Si Waterfalls for a chance to avoid the crowds for better photo opportunities and less wait time for jumping into the pools.
It's one of the top local attractions where lots of tours arrive during the day.
See traditional Laotian architecture in Luang Prabang
The preserved architecture seen throughout Luang Prabang led the entire town to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It represents one of the best examples of traditional architecture alongside colonial-style buildings.
Luang Prabang is a small town but attracts many tourists to see the impressive Buddhist temples and other traditional-style buildings.
It's recognized for its historical, cultural, and religious impact on Laos.
The distinctive town only has a handful of roads passing through the historic center lined on both sides with must-see buildings.
You Should Know
Every morning, monks walk the streets as part of a local ceremonious ritual.
Tourists can take part along with the locals by offering gifts and charity to the monks during passing.
Ascend to the Wat Chom Si perched atop Phousi Hill
Climb to the top of Phousi Hill to find Wat Chom Si, whose gilded rooftop is visible from around Luang Prabang.
Sitting 100-meter above the town, Wat Chom Si offers the best views overlooking the entire town with the Mekong River visible in the distance.
Wat Chom Si, also called Wat Phousi, is a Buddhist Temple built in 1804 known for its beautiful gilded rooftop.
Stairways lead to the top of the hill, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the area. Along the way, stop by the small cave temple covered in various Buddha Images.
Best Time To Visit
Wat Chom Si opens in the morning when visitors can ascend for the best sunrise view over Luang Prabang.
It's also a popular sunset location with the sun glistening off of the rooftop for an unforgettable view.